november twenty-three

This is the lovely button necklace I picked up yesterday at the Christmas Fair. I love it. I picked it up in Black and Red so that it would match more things (except for the pink shirt I happened to be wearing in this photo - ha ha!) I love the necklace, though it was a little pricey. It was handmade by a local chick Ada-jito, and I love supporting/buying local.

As promised here is an updated photo of the blanket for Jordyn. I have a week left to finish it - her birthday is December 1st, and my (ex) Aunt asked me to have it done before her birthday so she can give it to her then. I am hoping to have it done by the weekend (we'll see if I can get that done!)

Today I kept Mack home from school because he didn't keep down his milk again this morning. It seems to be only a morning thing. It's very weird. Jamie also wasn't feeling 100% this morning (he thinks he might have the same eye infection that the kids had 2 weeks ago). So he stayed home and worked from home today. This morning I took Mack with me to run an errand (I picked up the gift for Jamie's birthday that he will get from the kids (some clothing, nothing exciting, LOL)) and when I put Mack down for his nap this afternoon, I went over for a bit to my friend Dara's house to watch an episode of Oprah that my PVR didn't record properly that I wanted to watch. I worked on Jordyn's Blanket while she did some work on her computer. It was nice to go over for a bit and just hang out, without any of my kids (though her son, Mack's best friend was there).

This evening the boys played some hockey in the basement before bedtime. Mack seems to have kept down everything else he's had to eat/drink today. Tomorrow morning I will try giving him half his milk and then let him rest and then the rest of it, if he still wants it. I did call the doctor's office and there isn't any doctors right now to see him since there is a conference going on. I spoke to Jamie's cousin who works there, and she told me that she has actually heard of babies having upset stomachs due to teething. Now I know Mack's still cutting those 2 teeth from last week - (fun times the crankiness!) but really? Has your child ever vomitted during teething and not been sick with any other symptom??

Tonight Jamie & I hung out and watched Heroes & Big Bang Theory. I worked again on Jordyn's Blanket... as I said, I want it done for December 1st (rather before then!) I can do it!!

Project WIP Tubes are back in stock in my shop! They now come with a free DPN Tube!

november twenty-two :: 151 weeks old

Sean is 151 weeks old today.

Today I got up bright & early as my friend Eugenie invited me to share a table with her at a christmas fair. It was at a French school near her house. I had never heard of the place before. Apparently it's the 2nd year this year that they are doing the Christmas Fair. It was actually 3 of us sharing the table. Eugenie, her friend Nydia and myself.

Along with some yarn that I brought to sell I've been busy making a lot of earrings. I brought my scrabble letter earrings, as well as another tree (you can see the tree on the photo above this photo). I totally though my earrings would sell a lot more than they did, but it's the yarn that sold more!

My fave on the table was Eugenie's cupcake pin cushions. I loaned her my cupcake stand that I bought for Mack's birthday party. It was so cute displayed like this!

When it was a little slow at the fair I worked away on Jordyn's Blanket, while Nydia made some crochet bracelets and Eugenie worked on some knitting. I really like the way that Jordyn's blanket is coming out and I can't wait to be done and give it to her. I will post a progress photo shortly.

I made some sales, and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. We originally thought it was from 10-4 but it turns out it was from 11-5. I was there quite early, but was able to relax once everything was set up and ready to go. It was nice practicing my French today (Nydia is French but was practicing her English today) and I was happy to practice my French. I am a little shy when it comes to speaking French, but I am bilingual, and understand way better than I speak. I did go to French Immersion school after all and have a bilingual diploma.

I want to thank Eugenie for inviting me to do to this fair today and for making me lunch. You are a super sweet person and I am glad to have you in my life. Thank you again.

I had a nice day, and even bought myself a necklace from the booth next to us. I will take a picture of the necklace I got and show you tomorrow. (I got home and there was no more daylight anymore).

All three of my boys were at home today, not feeling so hot. Mack didn't keep down his morning bottle, and I had to do laundry before even leaving the house this morning. His room was a disaster and we had to air out his room. Jamie thinks he has the eye infection that the kids had last week or was that two weeks ago now. Sean has a cough that I am not sure if it's getting better or worse. I am glad that Jamie was able to handle it at home today with me gone for the entire day.

We didn't go to my parents house for Sunday night dinner tonight because all the boys weren't feeling so hot. So instead of risking them getting worse and bringing germs into my parents house, we stayed in.

Sean, even though not feeling so hot, was silly as usual tonight. That never fails.
This apparently is his monkey face.

There was no desperate housewives on tonight due to the Awards show that was on, so Jamie & I caught up on a few more episode of Dexter (we're in season 4 right now trying to catch up to what's currently on Tv). I worked a bit more on Jordyn's Blanket while watching tv tonight. I really want to be finished it before her birthday on December 1st.

I had a really long day, and I'm now beat.

november eight :: 149 weeks old

Mack got up around 7:30 am this morning, and I brought him into bed with me this morning. We watched some tv while he drank his morning bottle, and I tried to get a bit more sleep. We hung out, it was nice to "chill" with him. He's got quite the personality - one which is 150% different from his brother. While I was getting ready for us to go out, Mack was playing in my "hair accessories" drawer in the bathroom, and so he took a liking to one of my scarves, so I put it on his head and he was just too cute.

Late morning I ran 2 errands with Mack. First we went to the art store up the street from my house, I needed to get a special ruler for my sewing class that was sold there. Next stop was to pick up some more foam mats for Babette. I want to start blocking the squares to size. I want to take care of that this week.

When we got in, we ate lunch and then Mack took a nap. I had Amy over for a bit, we sat outside in the backyard and knit. Harley ran around, so he could get some of his energy out and I worked a on a new test knit of my own designs. Let me tell you, that I am loving it, and I cannot put it down. I can see this one getting done super fast. I just can't put the needles down. I hear myself saying out loud "Oh, just one more row!"

Sean is 149 weeks old today.
And he's home!!!
I missed him & Jamie big time while they were away this past weekend.
They had a great time, which is good!
While I enjoyed some peace & quiet, I am super glad that they are back.

Sean was pooped from his trip he told me. He had to put up his feet when they got home.

This afternoon I made my grandmother a necklace for her birthday since we saw her this evening for dinner. When she opened her gift tonight, (she shares a birthday with my brother, which was yesterday) she turns to me and says "How did you know?" I'm like "How did I know what?" She says "How did you know that I had an outfit that I am bringing with me to Florida that I didn't have any jewelry that matched?" Apparently it matches the outfit (which she plans to wear for New Years Eve) to the tea. Am I good, or what?? I told her that the beads screamed out her name and I had to make this specific necklace for her.

My mom & Mack at dinner tonight.

Brotherly Love.

This picture above proves how badly Sean needs a haircut. He's next on the list. Hopefully next weekend. Unless, I find time before to take him. His hair, is just out of control. I'm starting to call him Kramer!

Jamie and I watched some Dexter tonight after putting the kids to bed and I worked on my newest test knit... I really cannot put it down. The yarn and the pattern are just flowing together, I love it. Hopefully I'll have it sooner rather than later to be able to show it off!

august twelve :: 60 weeks old

Mack is 60 weeks old today.

I need to find a better system to get out of the house in the morning with both kids. I really don't understand how it takes me so long to get out the door. And then I remember I have 2 young kids. This morning I was about 8 minutes late to Mack's mom and tot class, our last Wednesday class. I don't feel so bad because the first 30 minutes is gym time, so we didn't miss any music. Sean decided this morning that he wanted to dress himself. That took like 45 minutes. He kept getting frustrated and screaming he couldn't do it, and then when I offered to help him or even just show him or get him started - he threw a fit that he wanted to do it himself. And then once he finally got dressed (shirt on backwards though), he decided he wanted to get undressed again and get dressed all over again. At that point I got really frustrated and was trying to figure out how to carry both kids down the stairs (since Mack's not walking yet) and get out the door.

After our class I checked in with the nutritionist for my weekly check-in (since I can't go on Friday) and I'm the same weight as I have been for the last two check-ins. 151.8 lbs on their scale (148.8 lbs on my scale). I can't get it to go down further! Dying to get off 3.8 more pounds. I want to hit 145 lbs on my scale (148 on theirs). Though, I'm in no rush for that to happen. Whenever it does...!

While Mack napped this afternoon I finished up some earrings I've been working on. I love them!!! I'm really on this jewelry kick. I even got compliments while wearing them out this afternoon). Sean's new teacher loves them, I think I'm going to give her a pair.

If you are interested in purchasing a pair, please either leave me a comments with your contact information (email address where I can reach you), or toss me an email (my email address is in my profile).

After Mack got up from his nap I went to the post office to mail a few things including some swap packages for a few swaps I'm in and hostessing. I wanted to make sure those got out in the mail before the mail deadline. I had finished packaging them up while Mack napped, so it feels good to get them en route.

After the post office, I found these tshirts for Mack. How could I not get them for him? They say his name on them!!! I cannot wait for him to fit into them, as they are 2T, 3T and 4T.

(The red one says Mack under the front of the truck).

I also picked up a twin size blow up mattress for Sean. I could have sworn that my mom brought home the one Sean slept on while we were in Florida this past January, but she says she left it there. I was expecting the mattress to be expensive, but including the pump it was under 20$. We need it for this weekend, but now we have one, and I'm sure it'll get plenty of use. It could also be used for any future sleepovers the boys have with their friends, for a comfy place for a friend to sleep on. I don't know, I'm just thinking ahead!

Tonight, after an easy leftovers dinner, the boys got their bath. Tonight, though, out of no where, Mack FREAKED out as soon as his body touched the water in the tub. Let me tell you though, it's the hardest bath I've ever had to give either boy. The water wasn't cold or hot (or Sean wouldn't have gone into it either). I just cannot figure it out. He screamed. Cried. Freaked out. I had to hold him down and wash him. I had to have Jamie hold him down while I rinsed his hair. There was no way he wasn't getting a bath tonight. He already doesn't get baths on a daily basis because of his eczema... I wasn't allowing him to skip tonight's bath. I really hope that he doesn't freak out in the next bath. It just doesn't make any sense. No issues with the pool though (that I know of), so I really don't get it. I guess I'll have to wait and see if he throws a fit the next bath.

Tonight after the boys went to bed Jamie and I watched 2 episodes of Dexter (Season 1 episodes 2 & 3). Holy is that show deranged. But Jamie and I are enjoying it. I really like Michael C. Hall. I was a huge fan of his on Six Feet Under and he's doing a great job in Dexter. Trivia - did you know that Michael C. Hall is married to Jennifer Carpenter who plays his sister on the show? It's weird seeing them as brother and sister in the show when I know in real life they're married. Newlyweds too. This New Years Eve will be their 1st wedding anniversary. Ah, the things you learn from IMDB. I didn't get any knitting done tonight as I had a ton of laundry to fold while we were watching tv. The laundry that just never ends. Ever.

february nineteen

So I got an email this morning from Toys R Us stating:

"Thank you for your recent order submission at Toys "R" Us.ca! We appreciate your shopping with us and will work to ensure that this is a great online shopping experience and you are completely satisfied with your purchase.

Unfortunately one of the items that you have purchased has been placed on backorder and we would like to confirm that:

- Once the above items are in, we will ship them to you as soon as possible.

- You will not be charged for this item until it is shipped."

You know what? That's fine. I wasn't planning on putting Mackie in it for a while anyhow, so if we don't get it for another month or two, then that's okay with me. I think though, that I'll call the 1-800 number and see if they have a rough idea of when I might get it. Because yes, they won't charge my credit card, but they did use up a gift card. So if it never comes into stock, I'd like that back.

This afternoon I went out to see if I could find Mack some 6-12 month size jeans. I didn't but did find a good deal on two pairs of 12 month jeans. I have to check what I have from Sean, and worse case, I can return the ones I picked up today. I also got some other shirts for Mack, there's always really good deals at Zellers. I got him one shirt, which says (in French) "Who needs Santa Claus when I have my grandmother". Thought it was cute. I'm going to save it for Sunday when we go to my parents house for dinner. I thought it was cute.

Tonight for dinner I just wiped up a simple pasta with tomato sauce. I wasn't in the mood to do anything more fancier than that tonight, and I'm pretty impressed with what I was able to wip together in no time. All you really need is pasta, and a can of crushed or diced tomatoes, and any spice/herb you want to add to the sauce for flavor. I just basically worked with what I had. I also steamed broccoli, and I chopped it up really thin and put it into the sauce. Added a nice touch.

Tonight was just a chill night with Jamie. We watched Survivor and an episode of Damages. We're getting there, so close to being done Season 1. I got a bit of knitting done, as well, I started doing an inventory of my scrabble letters. I started a spreadsheet with every letter and how many I have of each. This way, I have it on hand the amount I have per letter for when people order the earrings I sell. They've been selling like hot cakes, and I absolutely enjoy making them. It's quite a job doing inventory on them, but it's something I wanted to get done.

I recently purchased this earring holder. I know I have 2 others (the clear cases) but saw this one and had to have it. Also, I had a lot of new earrings that didn't fit into the clear cases. The clear cases aren't full, but I don't want to over crowd them.

So I loaded it up with my earrings.

And my fave newly acquired earrings, (that I ordered when I ordered bracelets from her), is these needle earrings. My only disappointment, is the "vintage" pink ones, the pink end is rusted. Doesn't look so nice. I'm going to see if maybe CLR will get the rust out. I will pull out the bottle of CLR this weekend or when I get the chance and try it out. I don't know why I didn't think of that before. The idea just came to me now. Anyhow, regardless of the flaw on the jewelry I bought, her stuff is gorgeous!

february four

Wednesdays are busy days. Starts off in the morning with our music class at the Y. It's a lot of fun, though I'm still finding the other moms in the class to be snobby and not people I'd be friends with. So Mackie & I enjoy the class to the best of our abilities, and let the snobby (jappy) mothers talk to each other about how their child is the best kid in the whole entire world, and how they are the best mother in the world and deserve a freakin' award. I don't even mind being the outcast... I don't need to put on my best outfit, throw on a ton of makeup and jewelery to attend a mom & tot class. Seriously! Who are these people? Ok, rant over.

After music, we headed to my aqua class. I love my aqua class. It's a super great workout - and I love how I feel after the class. I am friends with a few of the moms in the class, so it's nice to see them also enjoying this class too.

I wasn't interested in either of the 2 movies that were playing today for the mom & baby movie. Maybe next week. Next week they're playing Pink Panther (No interest) and He's Just Not That Into You, which I do want to see, but it is worth seeing in theaters, or only worth renting later on? Decisions, decisions.

Mack's new thing is that he likes to crawl backwards under things. Like his bouncy chair (that he barely uses anymore, but sometimes still do, soon he'll be too big for it).

And under the bench in the den. Doesn't know how to crawl fowards, but backwards.... no problem!

I got this the other day as a loot bag for Mack from that birthday party we missed out on recently. Isn't it just too cute? I can't wait to put the duck in Mack's room. I've never seen a lootbag like this before!

I received some mail today, some rings I ordered online. Remember, I'd been looking for that square onyx ring? Well, I wanted a solid plain square onyx ring, still do, but found this one as well. I love it! It's gorgeous!

And from the same company, a black square crystal ring. Both them are nice, but still don't replace the one I am upset about breaking/losing half of. But they'll be nice to wear in the meantime, until I do find a suitable replacement. I also ordered a pair of wood earrings, I'll blog about those when I wear them.

So, today I get to show you my secret knitting from last month! My First Design of 2009!

The pattern is called Satellite Girl and the yarn is Unwind Yarn Shiraz in Jupiter.

I'm really happy the way it came out!
I'm loving designing patterns, it's a lot of fun.
Look out for more from me this year!

Tonight I went out knitting with the West Island Knits/Crochet group. I had a lot of fun with Madeleine, Melanie, Eugenie, Helene & Ariella. We were a small group again, but still had good conversation and along with the knitting, some jewelery making. Why not! I did work on my mother-in-law's vest. It's coming along. (Not as fast as I'd like... but getting there). I hope to get it done soon as I want to be able to cast on for my February Lady Sweater this month (in February!)

Things I'm loving today:
- Bella's Mittens pattern (free pattern!)
- Pow! Hooded Scarf pattern (which I need to get)
- Watching cartoons in the morning in my bed with Sean & Mack
- Sean's greeting in the afternoon when I pick him up from daycare! ("Mooooooommmmmy!")

Tomorrow I'll tell you the story about my house insurance. Tomorrow's a quiet day, so I'll write about that then... Oh boy, did I have a heart attack yesterday after a phone call I made to my home insurance company....! Stay tuned.

ps- since we're in February already, the March Sock Club Kits have been listed to the shop. There are a handful of spots available left - don't miss out!

february three :: 33 weeks old

Mack is 33 weeks old today.

This morning Mack had swimming lessons bright & early. 9 am, in the pool. Swimming lessons are fun, as we have friends in the class. One is a mom I went to high school with, her son is 2 months younger than Mack. The other wasn't there today.

After swimming, we dropped off my car at Acura, as it was going in for some work. My mom picked us up, and before she dropped us off at home, we did some groceries. It's always nice to have help doing groceries when you have the baby with you.

I got a lot accomplished at home (load of laundry after load of laundry) as well as packed a ton of Robyn's Nest orders for shipping, while stuck at home with no car. It was a productive afternoon, that's for sure.

I forgot to show you my rather cool ring display/holder that I got. I just love it. It's too cute.


Lately, I've been addicted to Green Tea. Any flavor. You name it, I'm collecting it (to drink of course!)
I picked up the other day this Bonnebell Lip Gloss, it's sooo awesome! It's mango flavor, and I just love the way it feels. I've been on this lipgloss kick too lately. Lip gloss/lip balm....

Did you know that Aquafina made lipgloss? I didn't! But now I do. It's pretty refreshing as well!

Tonight I went to the Habs game with Jamie. We won against the Pittsburgh Penguins, 4 to 2. It was a GREAT game, and we got to see Crosby & Malkin play, though our team played better tonight. I took the above photo after they won tonight! We had a good time!

I got a LOT of progress done on my habs socks. I will photograph them properly this week on a sock blocker to show you. (It's hard to tell in the above photo). Though, they're coming along nicely. I should have sock number 1 done at the next game I go to!) That's for sure. (Not sure when the next game is that I'm going to though... I have to check the schedule).

Sean pushed a kid in the gym at daycare today. I spoke with him and told him that he has to be nice to his friends, and he has to not push them. I asked him if he would like to be pushed and he said no, so I told him then he shouldn't be pushing others. I'm not sure how much he understand, but I'm sure he does. He's only 2 though, and he's build like a sports player. So, he may be rougher than other kids, and not realize it. Though, I'm not sure how to handle this. It's the first time he's done this to another kid. Does anyone with boys have any advice? The hard part is that he's only just turned 2.... so I'm not sure how effectively this can be dealt with... you know?

january twenty-nine

Today I received some mail from Elann.com. I received a gift certificate from my Falling for Ewe pal as my last package. I really want to get my hands on the Debbie Bliss Stella / Pure Cotton book, so I ordered that, as well as 6 x 50g skeins of Sock it To Me sock yarn. Not sure yet what I want to do with them, but definitely some sort of colorwork.

I've been obsessed with wearing my Scrabble Letter Earrings lately. I just love them. If you'd like a pair of your own, I sell them in the shop! They're so fun to make (and I need to update the picture on the site as I've perfected the way I make them now, and they look better!)

It's super cold out these days, and today Mack and I stayed in all afternoon and got a few things done around the house while the cleaning lady was here today. It's weird, I find myself the most productive when she's here, to get some of those house chores done. Like most people, I'm not a big fan of doing house chores. But they do have to get done.

There are a few spots left in the February Sock Club! It's almost sold out, so if you wanted a spot - come and get it quick. I'm featuring a Montreal handpainter for February, so that's neat! You'll be getting a pattern, sock yarn, stitch markers & other goodies. Don't miss out!

Tonight was a chill on the couch/watch tv/knit night. There was a habs game on, so we watched that, and I cast on for my mother-in-law's Striped Modular Vest, though, it's not really striped, since I'm not using striping yarn. She chose the yarn, Cascade 220 Dip Dyed in Storm. I'll post progress pictures tomorrow, seems like it's going to be an easy knit.

Pictures to come next week of my first design of 2009. YEY! I just have to wait a bit for the sock clubs to get to their destinations first! Once they are starting to be received, I'll post the pics!! That'll be next week though. So stay tuned!

january eight

This morning there was a 3 page apology note with our gazette. It still doesn't justify the nasty post-it note. I don't know if he'll get fired, but I did learn that he's in his 60's, his wife helps him with his route (though he's the employee of the Gazette) because of his blood pressure, he can't finish on time, and that they do it for exercise. Maybe I'll get around to typing it up - if anyone is curious as to what it says.

Mackie likes to play peek-a-boo. It's too cute.

I got this box of rings not too long ago. I LOVE the color. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with them, but I have 12 of them in the box. They're glass rings, and I just love them.

The other day at Walmart I came across these packages of felt for "Needle Felting". I'm wondering if they'll be enough for a few Felted Soaps. I'll let you know when I start them (in about 2 weeks or so). I hope the size is okay.

Today I worked from home while the cleaning lady was here. I was also hanging around waiting for a call in regards to my new cousin - whom I met this evening. My sister and I went to meet our new baby cousin - both mother & baby are doing well. I cannot give you details yet, until Jenn has blogged about it herself. I'll let her do that first, and then I'll post the photos I took this evening - a couple of hours after he was born. I *knew* she was having a boy! And between myself with my 2 boys, Jenn with 2 boys, my cousin Lisa with 1 boy and another boy on the way... we have a hockey team! Seriously. It'll be fun with the family gets together, all the boys can play together, I can't wait! (Though, we are in serious need of a baby girl in the family!) (I had a dream a few nights ago that my next child (if I ever do have one) is a girl). (Though, I have a feeling that Jamie truly does NOT want any more kids). (I'm not sure yet how I feel). It's amazing how much of a CLONE the new baby is of his brother. Wow! My kids never looked alike, not at birth, not now. My kids have the same mother, and the same father, obviously. So do Jenn's kids. Same mommy & daddy. Clone! I wonder why some siblings are identical, and others, not. Genetics works in weird ways!

Today, the 6500th comment appeared on my blog. Nell, was the lucky commenter...! Nell, I need you to email me your address, and I'll send your prize along! CONGRATS GIRL! I'll have another contest soon, maybe for my 7777th commenter, or maybe for my 8888th commenter. But definitely again for my 10,000th commenter! So stay tuned!

I got no knitting done today. I'm jonesing to knit a stitch, but I'm zonked. It'll have to wait for tomorrow.